MODEL DESIGNATION ENGINE MODEL
REAR TINE MODEL SERIES DESIGNATION
ENGINE HP
I – Intermediate Size Model 50 – 5 HP Engine (Horse Power) 3 - Series Designation B – Briggs Engine
R – Rear Tine Type Model
Thank you for buying a SNAPPER product! Your Tiller was designed and built to provide long and s atisfactory service.
Study this manual carefully before operating the Tiller and pay particular attention to the Im portant Safety Instructions
found herein. Keep in mind that a Tiller, like any other mechanical device, can be potentially dangerous if used
improperly. Following the instructions in this and the engine manual will help you continue to enjoy the trouble-free
operation expected of a SNAPPER.
WARNING: This powerful machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that can
cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in serious injury to the
operator or other persons. The owner of the tiller must understand these instructions and, furthermore, must
allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate tiller. Each person operating the tiller must be
of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any substance, which might impair vision,
dexterity, or judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your tiller which your dealer cannot answer to
your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER, McDonough, Georgia, 30253.
Phone: (1-800-935-2967).
PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN
1. DO NOT allow children in area when tiller is
being operated.
2. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate
tiller.
3. Allow only responsible teenagers or adults with
mature judgment to operate tiller and only under
close supervision.
4. Keep the area clear of all persons, particularly
small children, and pets.
5. Know how to ST OP the tiller and disengage the
controls quickly.
PREPARATION
1. Read this manual, get to know w here all cont rols
are located and practice how t o use them before
starting for the first time, and at the beginning of
each season. Be thoroughly familiar with the
controls and proper use of the equipment. Pay
attention to Warning and Instructional Decals on
engine and tiller.
2. Never operate tiller without proper guards, drag
shield, plates, safety switches, or other safety
protective devices in place and properly
connected. Inspect to determine that these safety
devices are installed properly, are in good repair,
and operate properly. If the condition or
operation of these d ev ices are qu estio nab le, t hey
must be repaired or replaced before using the
tiller.
3. Thoroughly inspect the area where the tiller is to
be used and remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones and other foreign objects. Also, note the
location of holes, stumps, and other possible
hazards.
4. DO NOT operate tiller when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear long pants and
substantial footwear with good traction.
5. Fill fuel tank outdoors and replace fuel cap
before starting engine. Use approved fuel
container. DO NOT smoke near open fuel
container. DO NOT fill fuel tank indoors or when
engine is running. Allow engine to cool for at
least ten minutes before refilling. Wipe off any
spilled fuel before starting engine. DO NOT run
engine indoors.
6. Make sure that clutch is disengaged and
transmission is in neutral (if so equipped) before
starting engine.
OPERATIONAL PRECAUTIONS
1. DO NOT change engine governor settings or
over speed engine.
2. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts.
3. Exercise CAUTION when crossing g ravel drives,
walks, or roads, and under any conditions when
tiller is transported. Look behind and use care
when backing.
4. After striking a foreign object or if tiller vibrates
abnormally, STOP the engine, disconnect and
secure spark plug wire aw ay from plug. Inspect
the tiller for any damage and repair the damage.
5. When leaving tiller unattended, disengage clutch,
shift transmission to neutral (if so equipped) and
stop the engine.
6. Before removing debris or cleaning tines,
repairing or inspecting make certain engine,
tines and all moving parts have STOPPED.
Disconnect and secure spark plug wire away
from plug to prevent accidental starting.
7. Exercise CAUTION when changing directions
while operating tiller. DO NOT till in areas w here
stability or traction is in doubt.
8. DO NOT overload the machine capacity by
attempting to till too deep at too fast a rate.
9. Be extra careful when tilling hard ground. Use
less tine engagement to maintain control of tiller.
10. Till only in daylight or in good artificial light.
11. Nev er operate tiller in wet areas. Always be sure
of your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle.
12. Do not operate on slopes
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight and be sure
tiller is in safe operating condition.
2. Never store tiller with fuel in tank inside of a
building where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark. Allow engine to cool before storing in
any enclosure.
3. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of spilled
fuel, debris and excessive grease.
4. Have your tiller inspected and serviced each year
by an authorized Snapper dealer. Determine if
any additional devices are av ailable which might
upgrade the safety of your tiller.
5. Factory specified Snapper replacement parts
must be used to assure adequate protection
against injury.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ................................................... 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................ 3
1.1 INTRODUCTION: This manual covers the recommended operating procedure and
routine service requirements on SNAPPER Intermediate Rear Tine Tiller Model IR5003B.
It is recommended that all operator’s of this Tiller become thoroughly familiar with the
controls and proper operation of the unit before operating. Specific details involving the
engine are found in the separate engine owner’s manual. Study these manuals before
operating and keep both handy for future reference. Refer to Figure 1 above for location
of controls and other essential components.
4
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 BEFORE OPERATING:
Be thoroughly familiar with the operation of ALL controls
and how to use them BEFORE operating your Tiller.
Transmission shifting is done by shifting the WHEEL
and TINE SHIFT LEVER into the desired position.
Refer to Figure 3.
2.1.1 TRANSMISSION POSITIONS
The Tiller has four transmission positions:
NOTE: The four diff erent transmiss ion positions shown on
the cover are clos e to ac tual positions of s hift lever but are
not exact. Use positions as a reference.
1. FWD & TIL - (FORWARD and TILL) (Wheels and
Tines
are engaged).
2. FWD - (FORWARD) (Only the Wheels are engaged).
3. NEU - (NEUTRAL) (Wheels and Tines are disengaged).
4. REV - (REVERSE) (Rearward Wheel rotation).
2.2 PRE-START CHECKLIST
Make the following checks and perform services as
required before each start up. NOTE: Before check ing
oil level place 2x4 piece of wood under both wheels to
level engine.
2.2.1 CHECK ENGINE OIL and bring level up to full.
(Refer to engine manual for oil specifications).
2.2.2 CHECK AIR CLEANER and service according to
instructions in engine manual.
2.2.3 CHECK EXTERNAL SURFACES and remove dirt
and dust accumulation and clean tines as needed.
2.2.4 CHECK GUARDS to make sure all are in proper
position and securely tightened.
2.2.5 FILL FUEL TANK where fumes will be safely
dissipated. Refer to engine manual for fuel specifications.
2.3 STARTING - STOPPING
Know beforehand how to stop the tines, wheel drive and
engine in preparation for possible emergencies. The
engine is stopped by pulling the engine. THROTTLE
CONTROL to the rear to STOP. See Figure 2.
When activated, the tines rotate in a rearward (Reverse)
direction ONLY. With the engine running, shift into the desired
transmission position and pull the WHEEL and TINE
CONTROL BAIL against the handle bar to start wheel or
wheel and tine rotation.
Wheel or wheel and tine rotation is STOPPED by releasing
the W HEEL and TINE CONTROL BAIL. W hen the bail is
released, rotation should STOP even with the W HEEL and
TINE SHIFT LEVER in an engaged position. See Figures 3
and 4.
FIGURE 2
WHEEL & TINE
SHIFT LEVER
FIGURE 3
NEUTRAL
POSITION
TO STOP WHEEL
STOP
& TINE DRIVE
RELEASE
WHEEL & TINE
CONTROL BAIL
FIGURE 4
THROTTLE
CONTROL
5
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.4 ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURE
Step 1: Place the W HEEL and T INE SHIFT LEVER in
the NEUTRAL position and make sure the WHEEL and
TINE CONTROL BAIL is in the released position.
Step 2:For cold st arts, m ove the CHOKE CONTROL
on the engine forward into CHOKE position.
See Figure 5.
PUSH FORWARD
TO CHOKE
CHOKE
LEVER
FIGURE 5
Step 3: Move THROTTLE CONTROL to RUN
position.
Step 4: Move to the right side of Tiller and place
your foot on top of the right wheel (See starting
procedure decal located on top of the tine cover),
hold handle bar, then pull the ROPE STARTER
HANDLE in smooth, steady motion until the engine
starts. To prolong the life of the rope, guide the
handle back to the engine rather than allowing it to
snap back.
Step 5: Allow a brief warm-up period, then move
the CHOKE CONTROL rearward and the
THROTTLE CONTROL to the desired speed
setting. Refer to the tilling procedure column on
this page.
Step 6: To STOP the engine, pull the THROTTLE
CONTROL on engine rearward into STOP position.
2.5 HANDLE BAR A DJUSTMENT
Remove retaining screw and nut from handle bar
bracket. Adjust handle bar “UP” or “DOWN” as
required. Reinstall screw and nut. See Figure 6.
REMOVE
SCREW TO
ADJUST
HANDLEBAR
HANDLE
BRACKET
2.6 TRANSPORTING
2.6.1 FORWARD/REVERSE: To transport the T iller to
a new tilling site using its own power, raise the tines to clear
lawn and paved surfaces to prevent gouging. Releas e the
WHEEL and T INE CONTROL BAIL and lif t the rear of the
Tiller to take the weight off the DEPTH BAR (see Figure 7),
then push the DEPTH BAR downward into notch setting
that allows the tines to clear the ground surfac e. Place the
WHEEL and TINE SHIFT LEVER in FWD or REV. Pull the
WHEEL and TINE CONTROL BAIL back against the
handlebar to engage the wheel drive and transport the unit.
2.6.2 To transport the Tiller to a new tilling site by
pushing it, place the W HEEL and TINE SHIFT LEVER in
the NEUTRAL position, and with the bail released, push the
unit with the handle bar. The Tiller m ay be pushed with the
engine running or shut off.
ADJUST UP OR
DOWN TO
DESIRED
TILLING DEPTH
2.7 TILLING PROCEDURE
Tines are engaged ONLY when the W HEEL and TINE
SHIFT LEVER is in the FWD & TIL position and the
WHEEL and T INE CONTROL BAIL is held against the
handle bar.
1. Set HANDLE BAR in desired position before
beginning operation.
2. Set DEPTH BAR in highest position for deepest tilling
depth or in intermediate notches for lesser depth.
See Figure 7.
FIGURE 6
DEEP
TILL
SHALLOW
TILL
FIGURE 7
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
DEPTH
BAR
PULL SPRING
BACK TO
RELEASE
TENSION
6
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.7 TILLING PROCEDURE
(Continued from previous page)
3. Set SPEED by moving the THROTTLE
CONTROL to desired setting.
4. To star t TILLING action, move the W HEEL and
TINE SHIFT LEVER to the FWD & TIL position
(See Figure 8). Step behind the Tiller and rais e
the WHEEL and TINE CONTROL BAIL up
against the handlebar to start for ward m ovem ent
of the Tiller and rearward rotation of the tines.
MOVE SHIFT LEVER
TO FWD & TIL
POSITION
FWD & TIL
POSITION
FIGURE 8
2.7.1 TILLING HINTS: Let the Tiller do the work!
DO NOT try to hold it back. If forward motion ceases
while tilling deep, lift up slightly on the handle bar to
resume moving forward.
2.7.2 ROUGH TERRAIN HINT: If tilling over very
rough, uneven ground, till at a shallow depth setting
on the first path to smooth the surface. On
especially rough terrain, the Tiller could hang up
underneath with the wheels spinning freely. Under
this condition, lift the handle bar, then tur n the tiller
diagonally uphill to regain traction.
7
Section 3 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR
3.1 SERVICE PARTS & ASSISTANCE
To retain the original quality of your Tiller, use only
genuine SNAPPER replacement parts. Spec ify the
model and serial number as found on the
nameplate of your Tiller when contacting your
SNAPPER Dealer for parts or service assistance.
3.2 STA NDING THE TILLER ON END
WARNING
ALWAYS STOP the engine and DISCONNECT the spark
plug wire BEFORE standing the TILLER on end to
prevent accidental start ing! NEVER stand Tiller on end
with the engine running!
WARNING
If the fuel tank is over half full when the Tiller is placed on
end, gasoline may leak from the carburetor vent hole and
drip down the outside surface of the engine creating a
potential FIRE HAZARD! Gasoline may also leak unnoticed
into the engine cylinder and wash away lubricating oil
causing engine damage. T ake all neces sary precautions to
prevent fuel leakage BEFORE standing the Tiller on end.
Any draining of fuel mus t be done outside with the engine
cool and away from ignition sources. If the Tiller is stored on
end for any length of time, check it frequently for signs of fuel
and/or oil leakage.
NEVER stand Tiller on end with
engine running!
3.2.1 ENGINE SERVICE: Refer to the engine
owner’s manual for details. Engine oil is drained by
removing front f iller plug and standing Tiller on end.
See Figure 9.
3.2.2 SERVICE NOTE: Since a Tiller normally
operates under extrem ely dusty or dirty conditions,
the air cleaner, engine oil and cooling fins m ust be
serviced as specified in the engine manual at
frequent intervals. The Tiller itself should be
serviced as follows:
WARNING
3.3 TILLER LUBRICATION
CHAIN CASE: Check the level of the greas e in the
chain case at the beginning of each tilling season.
Remove clevis pin and cotter pin that secures left
hand tire/wheel to axle. Remove wheel. Check
grease level by removing the plastic plug located
beside the axle shaf t on the lower left hand side.
See Figures 9A. The level should be up to the edge
of the opening. To add grease, remove the filler
plug located just forward of the pulley shaft on the
right hand side. See Figure 10. Add Snapper Part
No. 2-9577 Benalene 900 grease (4 oz. Bottle) as
needed to bring level up to bottom edge of the
check plug opening. The total capac ity of the case
is about 48 ounces. DO NOT exceed this amount.
Reinstall check plugs after checking. NOTE: Also
available Snapper Part No. 2-9296 Benalene 900
grease (32 oz. Bottle).
GREASE CHECK PLUG
(REMOVE TO CHECK
GREASE LEVEL)
REMOVE L.H.
TIRE/WHEEL
ASSEMBLY
PROPER
GREASE
LEVEL
FIGURE 9A
STAND
TILLER
ON END
TO DRAIN
ENGINE
OIL
OIL DRAIN
PLUG
FIGURE 9
CHAIN
CASE
RIGHT
HAND
WHEEL
MAIN CASE
FILL PLUG
FIGURE 10
8
Section 3 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR
3.4 TILLER TINES
Your Snapper Tiller has right hand and left hand
tines. Replace both tines if blades becom e bent or
are badly worn or otherwise damaged. Use correct
Snapper replacement tines. The tines are secured
to the tine shaft with a shear bolt, Part No. 2-8725
and Lock Nut Part No. 9-0222 on each side. NO TE:
Two extra nuts and two bolts com e with tiller. Keep
spares on hand in case a bolt shears off or
becomes lost while tilling. See Figure 11. DO NOT
over tighten these shear bolts as this will cause
premature failur e. (Recommended torque is 5 to 8
foot pounds maximum). NOTE: Failure to use the
correct shear bolts c ould result in serious damage
to your Tiller. Use only the genuine Snapper
replacement bolts and lock nuts specified above.
These bolts are designed to shear at a specific
stress to prevent damage. DO NOT use substitutes!
SHEAR BOLT
(TORQUE TO
8 FT. LBS.)
TINE
COVER
TINE
ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 11
3.5 BELT ADJUSTMENT - REPLACEMENT
BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT: Remove the cotter
pin that secures clevis pin to left wheel hub. Rem ove
clevis pin from lef t wheel hub and slide wheel out on
axle about 1”. Remove belt guard. Measure the
length idler pulley spring at the end of the control
cable in a relaxed position. Then move wheel and
tine control bail up to the handle bar and measure
the extended length of the spring. When properly
adjusted, the spring will extend 1/4” to 1/2”. See
Figure 12. To adjust, loosen and reposition the two
jam nuts on the threaded end of c able located on the
dash panel. Move jam nuts toward the end of
threaded end of cable for more tension. Move jam
nuts in a direction away from the end of threaded
end of cable for less tension. See Figure 13. After
adjustment, retighten both jam nuts against dash
panel. Reinstall belt guard. Slide wheel back into
operating position and reinstall clevis pin and sec ure
with hair pin.
LOCK
NUT
BELT
GUIDE
IDLER
PULLEY
3.5.1 TENSION TEST: Start the engine with tiller in
neutral. Shift transmiss ion into FW D & TILL and pull the
wheel and tine control bail up against the handle bar.
Tines and wheels will s tart to r otate. Releas e c ontrol bail.
Tines and wheels should stop rotating immediately. If
rotation continues after release of c ontrol bail then clutch
spring tension is to great and will have to be readjusted
as described in BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT Section.
3.5.2 BELT REPLACEMENT: Pull the clevis pin from
the left wheel and slide the wheel out 1”, remove belt
guard and then the old belt. NOTE: Replacement belt
must go over the top of the idler and be within the belt
guide as shown in Figure 14. Check belt tension as
described in BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT Section.
Reinstall guard, push left wheel back into position and
secure with clevis pin and insert and secure cotter pin.
BELT
GUIDE
DRIVE
PULLEY
DASH PANEL
BELT OVER
TOP OF IDLER
1/4” TO 1/2”
FIGURE 12
LOOSEN
JAM NUTS
FIGURE 13
FIGURE 14
IDLER
PULLEY
SPRING
HANDLEBAR
CLUTCH
CABLE
MOVE NUTS
TOWARD END
OF CABLE
FOR MORE
TENSION
SHIFT
LEVER
DRIVEN
PULLEY
REMOVE
LEFT HAND
WHEEL &
BELT
GUARD
9
Section 3 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR
3.6 OFF SEASON STORAGE
Thoroughly clean all external surfaces and tines before
storing the Tiller. The Tiller may be stored on end,
however, the following steps must be taken:
1. Drain gasoline from fuel system and drain the engine
crankcase oil (refer to engine manual for details).
2. After standing the Tiller on end, chec k the plugs in the
chain case for leakage. After extended period, s ome
grease may seep thru upper bearing races.
3. Remove both wheels and grease wheel shafts.
Reinstall wheels. Remove both tines and grease tine
shafts. Reinstall tines. Greas e these shafts when tiller
is stored for long periods of time to prevent rust
buildup. Rust buildup will cause wheels and tines
difficult to remove.
4. At the start of the new season, replenish engine
crank-case oil and add gasoline to the f uel tank after
returning the Tiller to its wheels.
5. Before starting, move the ENGINE CONTROL to
STOP and pull rope starter slowly several times. If
excessive resistance is felt, remove the spark plug
and pull rope starter rapidly to spin the engine and
clear oil from the cylinder. Clean and reinstall spark
plug before attempting to start the engine.
10
3 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
For three (3) years from purchas e date for the original purchas er's r esidential, non-c om m ercial us e, SNAPPER, through
any authorized SNAPPER dealer will replace, free of charge (except for taxes where applic able), any part or parts found
upon examination by the factory at McDonough, Georgia, to be defective in material or workmanship or both.
For ninety (90) days from purchase date for the or iginal purchaser's comm ercial, rental, or other non-residential use,
SNAPPER, through any authorized SNAPPER dealer will replace, free of charge, any part or parts found upon
examination by the factory at McDonough, Georgia, to be defective in material or workmanship or both.
All transportation costs incurred by the purchaser in submitting material to an authorized SNAPPER dealer for
replacement under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser.
This warranty does not apply to engines and their c omponents, and batteries , as these items are warranted separately.
This warranty does not apply to parts that have been damaged by accident, alteration, abuse, improper lubrication,
normal wear, or other cause beyond the control of SNAPPER. This warranty does not cover any machine or com ponent
part that has been altered or modified changing safety, performance, or durability.
Batteries have a one (1) year prorated warranty period with free replacement if required during the first ninety (90) days
from the original purchas e date. SNAPPER will not be responsible for any installation cost incurred. The battery warranty
only covers original equipment batteries and does not cover dam age to the battery or machine caused by neglect or
abuse, destruction by fire, explosion, freezing, overcharging, improper maintenance, or use of improper electrolyte.
There is no other express warranty.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
Implied warranties, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to three
(3) years from purchase date for the original purchaser's residential or other non-commercial use, and ninety
(90) days from purchase for the original purchaser's commercial, rental or other non-residential use, and to the
extent permitted by law, any and all implied warranties are excluded. This is the exclusive remedy. Liabilities for
consequential damages, under any and all warranties are excluded.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
WARNING: THE USE OF REPLACEMENT PARTS OTHER THAN GENUINE SNAPPER PARTS MAY IMPAIR THE
SAFETY OF SNAPPER PRODUCTS AND WILL VOID ANY LIABILITY AND WARRANTY BY SNAPPER
ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF SUCH PARTS.
IMPORTANT: Please fill out the attached SNAPPER Product Registration Card immediately and mail to: